Novi Times

WASHINGTON, DC– Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced the Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program Act of 2023, which creates a grant program in the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for wireless EV charging projects. The bill is modeled after a pilot program at the state-level in Michigan to lead the United States in building the first public wireless in-road EV system.

“Dynamic wireless charging has tremendous potential in revolutionizing how EVs charge and can enable widespread adoption of EVs by addressing some of the biggest challenges associated with electrification,” said Congresswoman Stevens (D-MI). “Michigan is innovating our EV future, and making charging easier for consumers is the next step. Investing in new electric vehicle technologies is crucial to enhancing America’s global competitiveness. Wireless charging can reduce battery size and cost, extend driving range, reduce pressure on the electric grid, and enable the electrification of autonomous vehicles. We must continue to expand upon the success of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act to achieve a cleaner and greener future for all Americans.” 

Wireless charging technologies could be invaluable for electric transit buses, trucking, fleet vehicles, and autonomous electric vehicles, allowing for convenient and hands-free charging, while also lowering costs, as effective wireless charging would reduce the need for larger and heavier batteries. This legislation expands wireless charging technology to reduce air pollution for frontline communities, incentivizes fleet operators and transit agencies to invest in EVs, and creates sustainable workforce development programs that will lead to secure middle-class careers. 

Specifically, the Wireless EV Charging Grant Act of 2023 would: 

• Create a Wireless EV Charging Grant Program within DOT and authorize $250 million in grants for wireless EV charging projects on roads, parking lots, bus routes, airports, and coastal and inland ports. 
• Prioritize wireless EV charging projects that, among others, focus on non-disruptive, cost-effective, and community-informed designs that benefit the public. 
• Ensure grantees pay fair wages (Davis-Bacon Act), comply with Buy America, and be neutral towards organized labor.

“Michigan is leading the future of advanced manufacturing, especially in mobility and electrification,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Thanks to Congresswoman Stevens and her tireless advocacy at the federal level to bring jobs and investment home to Michigan, we are leading the race for battery manufacturing and growing our clean energy economy. Together, we will build on our momentum by powering successful bipartisan economic development tools, investing in the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families, and partnering with our congressional delegation to bring more infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and critical supply chains home to Michigan. Let’s keep defining and building the future.”

"As the Michigan Department of Transportation works to support the electric vehicle industry with initiatives to ensure adequate charging capacity, we appreciate the work of U.S. Rep. Stevens and other lawmakers in these endeavors,” said Brad Wieferich, Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation. "Wireless in-road charging and other ground-breaking technologies further solidifies Michigan’s leadership in mobility.”

“On behalf of ASPIRE, I support Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) for her leadership in introducing the Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Program Act of 2023. Static and dynamic wireless charging has tremendous potential to revolutionize the way we charge EVs and address the biggest challenges associated with widespread adoption of these vehicles, including their cost and limited range, and the additional pressure on the grid. This legislation, if enacted into law, would provide the much-needed investment in wireless charging infrastructure projects, enabling this innovative technology to help our nation reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our economic and national security,” said Regan Zane, Director, Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE).

“As the electric vehicle market expands, it will take multiple charging infrastructure pathways to achieve a zero- emission transportation future. The use of wireless inductive charging is one of those pathways and should be considered within the toolkit of vehicle electrification charging,” said John Boesel, President & CEO, CALSTART.

Original source can be found here.